Injuries During PregnancyTracking & Understanding

the Hidden Epidemic

Hank Weiss PhD, Associate ProfessorCenter for Injury Research and Control

University of Pittsburgh

AMCHP 2005 Conference

Hank Weiss, Center for Injury Research & Control

Leading Cause of Maternal Injury

Maternal and Fetal Maternal and Fetal Deaths = MVDeaths = MV

Hospitalizations = MVHospitalizations = MV

ED Visits = MVED Visits = MV

Pregnant women NOT wearing seatbelts

3times more likely to experience fetal death

HydeHyde et al (ObGyn, 2003): Effect of motor vehicle crashes on birth & fetal outcomes in Utah et al (ObGyn, 2003): Effect of motor vehicle crashes on birth & fetal outcomes in Utah

Hank Weiss, Center for Injury Research & Control

Traumatic Fetal DeathsBy MechanismSelected States, 1995-1997

Weiss et al , JAMA, 2001, October 17;286(15):1862-1868

MV82%

Fall3%

Firearm6%

Other9%

H a n k W e i s s , C e n t e r f o r I n j u r y R e s e a r c h & C o n t r o l

F e t a l C r a s h D e a t h C o m p a r i s o n s , 1 9 9 8

0 2 0 0 4 0 0 6 0 0 8 0 0

L o w E s t i m a t e H i g h E s t i m a t e

1 2 5

1 7 9

1 9 0

~ 7 0 0

Why Is This Happening?

Seat Belt Syndrome• Sternum Fracture• Rib Fractures• Clavicle Fracture• Lung Injury• Heart Injury• Thoracic Aorta Injury• Bowel Perforation• Abdominal Aorta Injury• Spinal Injury• Pelvic Injury

Risk of Fetal Death

With Lap & Shoulder Belt

16 mph 26%

22 mph 51%

28 mph 76%

34 mph 90%

Research Projections based on Computer Modeling

Normal Pregnancy38 Weeks

Best Possible Case

Normal Pregnancy38 Weeks

Best Possible CasePlacenta

Normal Pregnancy38 Weeks

SUBMARINING

L 1

L 2

DISC

L 1

L 2

DISC

Wedge Shaped Fractures

Risk To Fetus

5XRisk to 0 To 1 Year Old Sibling

Lethal to the

FETUS&

MOTHER

RequiredReaction Force

To Stop Submarining

CurrentlyOnly 2 Ways To

Prevent Submarining

Crotch Strap - Pubis Load

Knee Impact - Femur Load

Crotch Strap Load To Pubis

Crotch Strap Load

Lethal to the

FETUS

Femur Load

Femur Load Works(Knee Impact With Dashboard)

UnreliableToo Late

FMVSS 208 Sets Femur Load Limits

USPTO

Prior Art

RequiredReaction

Force

High Lap Belt Force

Directly IntoAbdomen

High Lap Belt

No Pubis Contact

Lap Belt Force

All Lap Belt ForceDirectly Into

FETUS

Wide Lap Belt(Scoop Injury)

Crotch Strap

Load ConcentrationOn Neck

Load Directly To Fetus

Anything Below The Effective Lap Belt Level

That Does Not Contact The Pubis And Stabilize

The PelvisCan And Will Cause

SCOOPING INJURY

As The PelvisSubmarines

Normal Pregnancy38 Weeks

Best Possible Case

Fetus Head

Normal Pregnancy38 Weeks

SUBMARINING

Fetus HeadAfter Submarining

Fetus HeadAt Start

It’s EasyTo Get Into Trouble

In This BusinessUnless

You Know What You Are Doing

Supplemental Automotive Restraint SystemFor

Pregnant Women(SARSPM)

SARSPW

SARSPW

Solid Pubis Contact

1/2 To 1 Inch Free Space

Solid Chest Contact

Solid PelvisContact

Left & RightIlium Contact

SARSPW

Abdomen IsolatedFrom Belt Forces

Pelvis Stabilized(No Submarining)

Fetus SpaceNot Violated

Device Claim 1 – (One Page Of Two)

Device Claim 1 - (Page Two Of Two)

Device Claims 2, 3, & 4.

Device Claims 5 & 6